One of the most storied coaches in world football is an ATLien again. It has been more than seven years since Tata Martino left Atlanta United, embarking on high-profile stints with the Mexican National Team and Inter Miami before his highly anticipated return to the 5-Stripes. While Martino famously led the club to MLS Cup glory in 2018, he returns to a vastly different landscape in 2026. The league is faster, the expectations are higher, and the roster is a complex puzzle of different eras.
Yet, “El Profe” remains remarkably the same. On the cusp of his first home match back in charge at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Martino sat down to answer 17 questions. Whether you’re an original “17” looking to catch up with an old friend or a new supporter meeting a legend for the first time, these insights reveal the man tasked with restoring Atlanta’s status as a global soccer powerhouse.
The Man Behind the Tactical Board
1. Tata, how have you changed over the course of the seven years that you were away from the club? He smiles. I’m older.
2. What’s your favorite place in your home country of Argentina? Rosario, and the Newell’s Old Boys pitch.
3. What’s your favorite dish from both Argentina and Atlanta? From Argentina, asado. And from Atlanta, I like everything that has to do with fish.
4. How do you spend your free time away from soccer? When I was in Rosario, a lot of time with my family and friends, watching soccer because it’s my job. When I come here, I do the exact same, and we also watch the NBA—that’s very important.
5. When you got back to Atlanta for the first time, what was the first thing you did? We went to Chastain Park. We used to walk every day there.
Building the 2026 Identity
The challenge ahead for Martino is significant. Following a frustrating 2-0 loss to San Jose, the pressure is on to find a rhythm. Martino’s philosophy has always leaned on a strong spine, and in 2026, that spine is being reinforced with both familiar faces and new high-intensity signings like Matías Galarza.
6. What’s one memory from your first time with the club that you’re always going to remember? The first job interview with Arthur [Blank].
7. If you had to choose one word to describe Atlanta, what would it be? Community.
8. What’s one thing you can’t live without? Family, because it’s the most important thing we have.
9. Your son, Gerardo Martino Jr., is alongside you on the coaching staff. How does it feel to share football with him? Incredible. I was never sold on the situation where father and son work together. But the truth is that, when I made the decision, it’s been incredible. To discuss football with him is marvelous.
10. In your life, how do you balance the roles of being a husband, a father, and a coach? I try to be what corresponds to each moment. When it’s my turn to be a dad, I’m a dad; when it’s my turn to be a husband, I’m a husband; and when it’s my turn to be a coach, I’m a coach.
11. When you are motivating a player or giving instructions, are you calmer or more assertive? There can be both versions.
12. Are there other coaches that inspire you? At this level, with an already built career, obviously there are coaches that I like and that are very important, but I’m already formed as a coach. I’m not looking for those who inspire me anymore. In any case, I look down more to see who the new, young coaches are who have tactics I like.
The Almirón Factor and the Latin American Connection
One of the most poetic elements of Martino’s return is his reunion with Miguel Almirón. When they first worked together in 2017, Almirón was a rising prospect. Now, he is a seasoned veteran and a Designated Player on a domestic roster spot.
13. You’ve spoken plenty about your star, Miguel Almirón. How happy does it make you to see a leader and a more mature man than the first time you managed him? What he has to do is help the growth of the group. That’s what I believe Miguel is going to contribute. Naturally, he’s a leader in football. I believe now that he also has other responsibilities with respect to the group as a byproduct of the great journey that he’s made.
14. What’s a good piece of advice that you received when you were younger? There is no good that doesn’t come from some bad. My mom told me that one day when they didn’t let me go on a field trip in high school. I cried like crazy, and when my mom told me that, that week I made my debut in the Argentinian first division.
15. You’ve been working with Sporting Director Chris Henderson on the acquisitions of some Latin American players. Why is the Latin American player so important in your squads? I sincerely believe that the teams that have had success in MLS have always had an amount of Latin American players that have been the spine. But this, for me, always has been coordinated with an American group. The American group was also important for us in that first era—Jeff Larentowicz, Michael Parkhurst, Brad Guzan, Greg Garza. The Latin American and American parts of the squad must be equal.
16. What makes you convinced that Atlanta United can be successful again during your leadership? We understand that the players that make up this team distance themselves from the team’s place last season, and they have good characteristics.
17. Finally, what do you want 17s, new and old, to know about you? We are going to work with a lot of conviction to help Atlanta be what it once was in football.
What This Means: The Road to Redemption
The return of Tata Martino isn’t just a nostalgia trip; it’s a calculated move to restore a “winning mindset” to a club that has struggled for consistency. While the 0-2 start to the season isn’t ideal, the underlying stats—particularly the defensive dominance of Tomás Jacob—suggest that the foundation is being laid.
Next Steps for the 5-Stripes:
- March 7 Home Opener: Witness the return of “El Profe” to the Benz against Real Salt Lake.
- Tactical Integration: Watch how Martino fits Enzo Dovlo and Galarza into the system over the next three matches.
- Community Engagement: Join the fans at local Decatur WatchFest Soccer Pubs to discuss the match.
For more authoritative insights into Martino’s coaching philosophy, you can explore the MLS coaching archives.
Do you think Tata Martino can replicate his 2018 success with this 2026 roster? Who is the most important player in his “Latin American spine” this season?
Join the conversation in the comments below or share your matchday photos with us on social media using #UniteAndConquer and #TataIsBack!
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.